Elton Gallegly

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of my friend, Bill Lucking, who died at home earlier this week at the age of 89, surrounded by generations of family. There are not enough pages in the Congressional Record to do justice to the life of William A. Lucking Jr. He was a decorated World War II combat veteran, a horseman, a rancher, a hunter, a world traveler, an attorney, a community volunteer, and an outdoorsman as comfortable on land as he was on or below the water. Bill also was active in Republican politics, including being a delegate to the Republican Convention that nominated Richard Nixon in 1960, much to the chagrin of his Democratic father. Bill Lucking would say that he worked hard and played hard. Raised in the Ventura County, California, community of Ojai, he bought more than 200 acres of rugged land there in 1956--6 years after he passed the California bar--and turned it into a thriving citrus and avocado ranch. His home there is testament to his world travels, filled with such treasures as maps and ancient pottery. Bill served during World War II as a Navy Reserve ensign and skipper on coastal defense sailboats and as executive officer of the radar picket Pritchett (DD-561). It was on the Pritchett that he earned a Bronze Star for using a whaleboat to rescue sailors from the sinking USS Callaghan in the Pacific Theater. Bill's love of the ocean continued throughout his life. He was a body surfer and a founder of the South Jetty Swells, and a diver who explored the sunken Winfield Scott off Anacapa Island. He put his horse-riding skills to use riding with the Ventura County Sheriff's Posse and Rancheros Adolfo--when he wasn't riding in Death Valley, Oregon, or with the Navajo in Arizona. Bill was partner with many attorneys who went on to become judges. Bill also was offered judgeships, but turned them down. As he told a reporter in a 1970 interview, ``I enjoy being on one side or the other.'' In politics, he was squarely on the side of the Republican Party and was responsible for helping launch many a stellar political career, including that of my friend and mentor, a former member of this body, Bob Lagomarsino. Not only have they been close personal friends since the '50s, (``We called each other `Cuz' because he was married to my wife's cousin,'' Bob recalled), but Bill also was instrumental in Bob running for the California Senate in 1961. Bob credits Bill for keeping the party in Ventura County strong in good times and bad. True to a life lived on his own terms, when Bill learned the end was near, he left the hospital to ``be at home, in front of the fire, with his arm around (his wife) Lucy,'' recalled his daughter, Helen. Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering Bill Lucking for a life lived to the fullest, who made contributions great and small in war and in peace, and who serves as an inspiration to all Americans. Godspeed, Bill.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall vote on January 19, 2007: H.R. 475, The House Page Board Revision Act (Rollcall vote 42). On the motion to pass the bill, had I been present, I would have voted, ``yea.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, today I reintroduce the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act to address the brutal, inhumane practice of animal fighting, something I have been trying to federally criminalize for the past several Congresses. A few years ago, Congress enacted legislation to tighten federal law and close some loopholes that were allowing the barbaric practices of animal fighting to thrive nationwide, in spite of bans in virtually every state. But Congress didn't finish the job. We left in place weak penalties that have proven ineffective. Misdemeanor penalties simply don't provide a meaningful deterrent. Those involved in animal fighting ventures--where thousands of dollars typically change hands in the associated gambling activity--consider misdemeanor penalties a ``slap on the wrist'' or merely a ``cost of doing business.'' Moreover, we've heard from U.S. Attorneys that they are reluctant to pursue animal fighting cases with just a misdemeanor penalty. In recent years, we've seen a marked rise in the frequency of animal fighting busts in communities across the country. Local police and sheriffs are increasingly concerned about animal fighting, not only because of the animal cruelty involved, but also because of the other crimes that often go hand-in-hand, including illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and acts of human violence. Furthermore, there is an inherent danger for the children of animal fighters to be close to these animals. There is the additional concern that cockfighters spread diseases that jeopardize poultry flocks and even public health. We in California experienced this first-hand, when cockfighters spread exotic Newcastle disease, which was so devastating to many of our poultry producers in 2002 and 2003. That outbreak cost U.S. taxpayers ``nearly $200 million to eradicate, and cost the U.S. poultry industry many millions more in lost export markets,'' according to former Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. Cockfighting has been identified as the major contributor of the spread of avian flu throughout Thailand and other parts of Asia, where the strain originated. Many of the humans who contracted avian flu and died from it contracted it from fighting birds. Experts say it's just a matter of time before it reaches our shores. It is time Congress finishes the job and helps state and local law enforcement officials who have requested a strengthening of federal laws to rid animal fighting from communities that do not want it. This legislation makes violations of federal animal fighting law a felony punishable by up to three years in prison, makes it a felony to transport an animal across state or international borders for the purpose of animal fighting, and prohibits the interstate and foreign commerce in knives and gaffs designed for use in cockfighting. In the past, this legislation has been endorsed by nearly 400 law enforcement organizations, 110 animal control and humane organizations, and a number of industry organizations as well, and I expect to have their support again. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Act of 2006 had 324 cosponsors and was passed through the Senate by unanimous consent. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation so we can end the deplorable practice of animal fighting and all of the destructive behavior associated with it.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, today I introduced six bills that focus on the problems of illegal immigration and identity theft. The first priority for this new Congress and any Congress, for that matter, should be to reduce the high levels of illegal immigrants entering this nation. This is a problem that goes directly to our responsibilities as a sovereign nation to secure our borders and enforce our laws. Two of my bills address the crux of the illegal immigration problem in the United States. We know that most illegal immigrants come here looking for work. If we stop illegal workers from gaining employment, they would be less likely to enter our country illegally in the first place To get a job, a person must provide his employer with a social security number. In many cases, an illegal immigrant simply provides a name and a fictitious social security number. Too often, an illegal immigrant has adopted the identity of a hard working American who is unaware that his identity has been stolen until he is refused a loan or contacted by an irate creditor. The federal government currently has the capability to deter identity theft. Every year, employers have to file W-2 forms with the Social Security Administration that include the names, social security numbers and addresses of their workers. Today, when the Social Security Administration receives multiple W-2 forms with the same social security number and different names and/or addresses, it simply ignores it, even when it is obvious that more than one person is using a Social Security number! In other cases, when an employer files a W-2 with a name and Social Security number that does not match, the government simply mails the worker a letter explaining the discrepancy. That's it. The Social Security Administration does little to no follow-up. This has led to many discrepancies that the Social Security Administration has yet to resolve. In fact, a GAO report found that as of November 2004, there were 246 million unresolved discrepancies--involving $463 billion-- dating back to 1937, the beginning of the Social Security program. My legislation would change that. The Employment Eligibility Verification and Anti-Identity Theft Act would require workers to resolve discrepancies if their names and Social Security numbers do not match. Employers would have to terminate workers who do not resolve discrepancies. The Social Security Administration would also be required to notify the Department of Homeland Security so it can investigate whether a crime has been committed. The Identity Theft Notification Act of 2007 would require the Social Security Administration to investigate if it receives more than eight (8) separate W -2 forms with the same Social Security number if the number corresponds with four (4) different addresses in a single year. If the Social Security Administration finds evidence of fraudulent activity, it is required to notify not only the Department of Homeland Security, but also the legal possessor of that Social Security number. This will enable innocent people to take steps to protect their credit, identity, and good name. Although jobs are the primary magnets that bring illegal immigrants to this country, I have also introduced another bill that will remove a major incentive for people to come to this country illegally. The Citizenship Reform Act of 2007 would simply bring our laws into line with virtually every other nation on earth by requiring that at least one parent be a citizen or permanent resident in order for a child to become automatically a citizen. Additionally, I have also introduced a bill that will make our current immigration law more fair. Under current law, an illegal immigrant who leaves the country faces a bar of up to three years if he has been in the country illegally for more than 6 months, and a ten year bar if he has been here illegally for more than a year. However, if an illegal immigrant never leaves the country but applies to adjust his status, he faces no reentry prohibitions. This is fundamentally unfair. My legislation provides that all illegal immigrants face the same penalty--even if they are eligible for a change in status. Finally, I have introduced two bills that would criminalize actions common among illegal immigrants. Unfortunately, many illegal immigrants who are apprehended and agree to voluntarily depart either fail to leave or leave only to return. My bill would make it a felony, with a mandatory one year jail sentence, for illegal immigrants agree to leave and then either fail to leave or return illegally. I have also found that too many illegal immigrants have figured out that they are given a ``get out of jail free card'' when they are given a notice to appear. Another bill I have introduced would make it a felony, with a mandatory one-year jail sentence, when illegal immigrants ignore the law and refuse to appear in court when ordered. I know that these bills, if passed, will dramatically reduce illegal immigration and identity theft. I ask my colleagues for their support to protect our nation's sovereignty and our citizens' identities.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on December 8, 2006: H. Res. 1101, Waiving all points of order against the conference report to accompany H.R. 5682 and against its consideration (rollcall vote 529). On agreeing to the resolution, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 1099, Relating to consideration of the bill H.R. 6111 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the Tax Court may review claims for equitable innocent spouse relief and to suspend the running on the period of limitations while such claims are pending (rollcall vote 530). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 1088, Expressing support for Lebanon's democratic institutions and condemning the recent terrorist assassination of Lebanese parliamentarian and Industry Minister Pierre Amine Gemayel (rollcall vote 531). On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, I would have voted ``aye.'' H.R. 6111, Markey of Massachusetts Amendment (rollcall vote 532). On the motion to amend the House Amendment to Senate Amendment, I would have voted ``nay.'' H.R. 6111, Tax Relief and Health Care Act (rollcall vote 533). On the Motion to Agree to Senate Amendment with Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 1091, Condemning in the strongest terms Iran's commitment to hold an international Holocaust denial conference (rollcall vote 534). On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, I would have voted ``aye.'' H.R. 5948, Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006 (rollcall vote 537). On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5948) to reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004, as amended.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5948, the Belarus Democracy Act of 2006, was introduced by my good friend, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey. I would like to commend Mr. Smith for his hard work on this issue and also for the work on supporting and promoting human rights throughout the entire world. This important legislation reauthorizes the original Belarus Democracy Act, which was signed into law by President Bush in October of 2004. Given the anti-democratic track record of the Lukashenka regime in the past 2 years, it is entirely appropriate for Congress to reauthorize this statute. Mr. Speaker, Belarus is often described as the last dictatorship in Europe, and the situation has only gone from bad to worse. In the past three or four years, President Alexander Lukashenka has increased repression against NGOs, media outlets, and any opponents of the government, including youth groups. In addition, presidential elections held in March of this year were widely viewed as neither free nor fair. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5948 promotes democracy or democratic development, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus. It also promotes that countries enter into a democratic Euro-Atlantic community of nations. The bill authorizes funds for fiscal years 2007 and 2008 for democracy-building activities such as support for nongovernmental organizations, development of democratic political parties and independent media. It also authorizes funds for radio and television broadcasting in Belarus. Finally, H.R. 5948 puts Congress on record in support of sanctions against the Lukashenka regime until the Government of Belarus has made significant progress in meeting several human rights conditions. Mr. Speaker, this is an important measure in the support of human rights and democracy in Belarus. At a time when Belarus's neighbors, such as Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic Nations, have democratic governments that respect the rights of their citizens, it is long overdue that the Lukashenka regime provide the same freedoms for its citizens. Again, I would like to compliment my good friend, Representative Smith, for his hard work on H.R. 5948 and on behalf of the democracy in Belarus. And I urge the passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) who is not only the sponsor of the bill, but also sponsored the 2004 bill.

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, before I yield back, I would just like to say that this is a classic example of sending a message around the world of what America is all about. We stand here in this room, not as Democrats and Republicans, but as individuals fighting oppression and human rights violations around the world. I applaud Chris Smith for his longstanding leadership. It has been an honor for me to serve with my good friend Tom Lantos on the other side of the aisle, it doesn't seem possible that I have been here 20 years, Tom, but he is a colleague from California. He is to be applauded. I would be remiss if I didn't recognize our mutual friend, Henry Hyde, a mentor of mine for every year that I have been here on an ongoing basis, who has dedicated much of his life to fighting oppression and the violation of human rights around the world. Henry Hyde will be missed, as he is retiring this year, but his legacy will live on, and I hope that is a message we will send to the rest of the world. That is what America is all about. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of my friend, Don Pruner, who died suddenly last week. Don Pruner is remembered by many for being a shrewd businessman who brought professional emergency medical services to eastern Ventura County, California, my home for more than 40 years, and paramedics to all of Ventura County. I remember as well his love of fishing, his hearty laugh, and our shared love of antique autos. I met Don and his wife, Jackie, at a Christmas party in 1969. We've been friends ever since. Don was an eternal teenager who loved life to its fullest while exuding the maturity of a loving husband and father who knew the pulse of the community and how he could fulfill its needs. Don bought Conejo Ambulance Service in 1963. He expanded the business by working 24 hours, 7 days a week, and driving a 1958 Pontiac Ambulance, hiring off-duty firefighters and sheriff's deputies to make the runs with him. Eventually, the business evolved under Don and Jackie's guidance into Pruner Health Services. Don's success as a businessman was matched by his success as a human being. Don Pruner has countless friends and a wonderful, loving family. A native Southern Californian, he never strayed from his roots. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in remembering Don Pruner as a health care pioneer in Ventura County, California, as a good friend, a loving family man, and a lover of life. In addition, I know they join me in extending our condolences to Jackie and their three children and all who called Don a friend. Godspeed, Don.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on November 13, 2006: H.R. 3085, To amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes (Rollcall Vote 517). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Agree to Senate Amendment, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' S. 819, Pactola Reservoir Reallocation Authorization Act (Rollcall Vote 518). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' H.R. 5602, To Authorize the Extension of Nondiscriminatory Treatment (Normal Trade Relations Treatment) to the Products of Vietnam (Rollcall Vote 519). On the motion to suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to the Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence at the Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, as it celebrates its 55th anniversary. Electronic Warfare encompasses the science of denying an enemy the ability to locate, monitor, guide, and communicate within its own offensive and defensive operations, while retaining one's own capabilities. In practical terms, it includes, but is not limited to, the ability of our missiles and aircraft to avoid detection while breaking through the electronic barriers erected by our enemies. Great Britain's World War II Prime Minister Winston Churchill dubbed this technology the ``Wizard War.'' And for much of Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence's existence, its work has been shrouded in secrecy accorded wizardry. Much of its work today, in fact, remains sensitive and classified. However, what is public knowledge is impressive: maintaining the EA- 6B, Airborne Electronic Attack platform, optimizing Jammer techniques, developing Mission Planning systems, conducting post-mission processing, and continually updating the worldwide threat database. The center has generated millions of lines of software code; provides fleet support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year-- including Thanksgiving and Christmas; and fields tens of thousands of help desk calls every year. The men and women who staff Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence are not only among the most creative, they are also among the most dedicated. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to Point Mugu's Electronic Warfare Center of Excellence and the men and women who have worked diligently behind the curtain for 55 years to keep our Nation free.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to Naval Air Station, Point Mugu, California and its 60 years as a premier Navy missile research, development, test, and evaluation center. Mugu beach is believed to be the site where Juan Cabrillo landed on October 10, 1542. Muwu was the capital village of the Chumash Indians located along the shores of Mugu Lagoon. Most of its early history centers around ranching, farming, and the famous Mugu fish camp. In 1947, Congress appropriated funds to establish a permanent Navy presence here to develop a site where both missiles and pilotless aircraft could be tested. Since the mid-1940s, Point Mugu has had several Center Names, all with the mission to develop, test, and evaluate missiles and related systems. Originally, on October 1, 1946, Point Mugu was named the U.S. Naval Air Missile Test Center, followed on August 1, 1949, as the Naval Air Station. On June l6, 1958, it obtained the Pacific Missile Range moniker and on January 7, 1959, it was named the Naval Missile Center. On April 26, 1975, Point Mugu became the Pacific Missile Test Center. On January 21, 1992, it became the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and Naval Air Weapons Station. Today it is part of Naval Base Ventura County with the designation Naval Air Station, Point Mugu. The main base complex at Point Mugu consists of 4,500 acres of support facilities and instrumentation equipment. Point Mugu maintains three runways to support range users and the numerous operational units assigned there. Additionally, the Sea Range Operational Area comprises a 36,000- square-mile instrumented sea test range that can be expanded to 196,000 square miles. The sea range is supported by a deepwater port located at nearby Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island 60 miles off the coast. Point Mugu is an integral part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, NAWCWPNS, the Navy's full spectrum research, development, test evaluation, and in-service engineering center for weapons systems associated with air warfare. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in paying tribute to the military and civilian men and women who, over the course of 60 years, have dedicated themselves to the defense of the United States and have substantially contributed to the security of the United States and our allies.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support for H.R. 4772, the Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006. I want to thank my colleague from Ohio, Mr. Chabot, for agreeing to take the leadership on this legislation. When I first introduced this legislation in 1997, it was to ensure that property owners in this country have the ability to protect their basic civil and constitutional rights. The fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that no private property shall be taken for a public use without the payment of just compensation. Unfortunately, we have seen an increasing disregard by various levels of government for this fundamental civil right. H.R. 4772 seeks to restore balance to land use decisions by ensuring that Americans have reasonable access to the Federal courts to enforce their Federal constitutional rights. As a former mayor, I know that local governments must have control over land use decisions. But this bill does not empower Federal judges to decide whether a certain piece of land should be used for a grocery store or for a hair salon. In fact this bill ensures that local governments will continue to have their traditional powers to make and enforce zoning regulations. However, this bill also ensures that land owners have some certainty in a process that can sometimes be very open-ended. By establishing procedures that both the property owner and the locality must follow, this bill ensures fair and timely land use decisions. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4772 and provide legal protections for land owners that are both rational and effective.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make the following rollcall votes on September 7, 2006: H. Res. 981, Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 503) to amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to be slaughtered for human consumption (rollcall vote 430). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Agreeing to the Goodlatte of Virginia Amendment to H.R. 503 (rollcall vote 431). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' On Agreeing to the King of Iowa Amendment to H.R. 503 (rollcall vote 432). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' H.R. 503, On Passage of the Horse Protection Act (rollcall vote 433). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' H.R. 5122, On Motion to Instruct Conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (rollcall vote 434). Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' H.R. 5122, On Closing Portions of the Conference P National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (rollcall vote 435). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my good friend, Bob Brooks, Sheriff of Ventura County, California. Sheriff Brooks will be honored this Saturday at the Southeast Ventura County YMCA Leadership Award Banquet. The theme for the evening is ``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' They couldn't have picked a better theme with which to honor Bob Brooks. He is a dedicated husband and father, professional law enforcement executive, and community leader. Bob Brooks is a 45-year resident of Ventura County and a 33-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He has served as the county's elected sheriff since June 27, 1998. Under his guidance, Ventura County is routinely rated one of the safest counties in the United States, despite the challenges of a growing gang presence in some parts of the county and the ever-present threat of terrorism. He oversees 1,200 sworn and civilian employees, 2,000 volunteers, and a budget of $187 million. Bob's success comes partly from a supportive community of 800,000 people, but also from his own dedication to law enforcement. Having already earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a master's in Organizational Management, Bob is now pursuing a master's in Homeland Security from the Naval Post Graduate School. He is also a graduate of the National Sheriff's Institute, the National Executive Institute, and the P.O.S.T. Command College, where he graduated with distinction. Because of his knowledge, experience, and success, Bob is in demand as a speaker at symposiums and seminars, has taught at colleges and universities, and has published articles in law enforcement, Department of Defense, and educational publications. In his spare time, he serves on the Board of Directors of several professional, educational, and charitable organizations, including the YMCA, past president of the Ventura County Boy Scouts of America, and Executive Board memberships for the California State Sheriffs' Association and the Major County Sheriffs' Association. Sheriff Brooks is also an honorary Rotarian and attends Sonrise Christian Fellowship. Bob and Debbie have been married 36 years and have two grown sons. In keeping with Bob's example of serving his community, Jeff is employed by the Ventura Police Department and Brian by the County of Ventura. ``Touching Lives, Creating Peaceful Communities.'' That's Bob Brooks. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks on this most deserved honor.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 innocent victims of the September 11 hijackers. It is only right that we remember September 11, its victims, and its heroes. My East coast home is only a few blocks from the Pentagon. On that day I could see the black smoke billowing from its side, smell the acrid fumes of burning jet fuel, and hear the sounds of rescue and recovery. The smoke eventually faded, but the memory never will. The United States is safer today than it was 5 years ago, but we are not safe. And we will not be safe until our enemies are defeated. Just a month ago, British authorities, with help from United States intelligence agencies, stopped a plot to blow up numerous airliners flying from London to the United States. An al Qaeda tape released on the anniversary of September 11 warned of renewed attacks. Our enemies are plotting constantly, and we must remain constantly vigilant. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago, we stood on the Capitol steps in a bipartisan show of strength and solidarity. We vowed then--and in the days, months, and years after--that cowardly thugs would not succeed in destroying our resolve to live in freedom and peace. That resolve remains. There are honest disagreements about how to prosecute the war, but there is no disagreement that we will ultimately succeed. We are Americans. We do not bow to terrorists. The heroes who died in four planes and three buildings on September 11 will never be forgotten. May they forever rest in peace.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of 35 years of continuous community service by the Free Clinic of Simi Valley. The Free Clinic is a non-profit, volunteer-based community organization that provides medical care, counseling, dental, and legal assistance to individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. Throughout its history, it has enjoyed widespread support from the medical and legal communities, service groups, and elected officials. Funding for the Free Clinic is provided primarily by private foundations, corporations, local service organizations, and individual donors. All services offered at the clinic's fully licensed facilities are provided by volunteers, which include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, dentists, dental assistants, lawyers, paralegals, marriage and family therapists, MFT trainees, and interns. Last year alone, more than 8,000 patients received services through the clinic, including general medical care, immunizations, smoking cessation programs, and counseling. The dental clinic, which just opened in May 2005, served 79 patients before the year was out. Over its 35-year history, the clinic has served an estimated 70,000 children and adults. Despite the impressive number of patients served, the Board of Directors and staff practice frugality, with operating costs of less than $225,000 in 2005. That speaks highly of the caliber of professionals who volunteer their services for the betterment of their community. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, its board members over the years, its staff, and its volunteers for 35 years of service to our community.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on the following bills on September 6, 2006: H.R. 2808, the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Coin Act (Rollcall No. 427). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 605, a resolution recognizing the life of Preston Robert Tisch and his outstanding contributions to New York City, the New York Giants Football Club, the National Football League, and the United States (Rollcall No. 428). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.'' H. Res. 875, a resolution congratulating Spelman College on the occasion of its 125th anniversary (Rollcall No. 396). Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition, and with thanks, for the 31\1/2\ years of exemplary service Police Chief Mark Layhew has given to the City of Simi Valley, California, as he prepares for his retirement next month. Mr. Speaker, Simi Valley is my home. I served as mayor there for seven years before being elected to Congress. I am proud of the fact that Simi Valley is routinely recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States. That recognition is in large part due to the caliber of the men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department. Mark has the distinction of the being the first Simi Valley police officer to rise from the ranks as an entry level officer to Chief of Police. In many ways he epitomizes the maturity and professionalism of the department. Mark began with the department just four years after the city incorporated and he helped to shape it. He is not only the face of the Simi Valley Police Department, he is very much its soul. Mark acquired his sense of duty from his late father, who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to his country as an FBI agent. During his three decades with the department, Mark Layhew served in virtually every position. He served as an Operations Division Captain, Support Services Division Captain, Detective Unit Commander, SWAT Commander, Traffic Unit Commander, Watch Commander, and Special Administrative Commands. And that's just as a lieutenant and captain. As a sergeant, he served as a Patrol Field Supervisor, Field Training Program Manager, and Detective Supervisor. As an officer, he served as a Patrol Officer, Traffic Officer, Field Training Officer, Rangemaster, Academy Staff Officer, Planning and Research Officer, and Background Investigator. Mark earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge, and is a graduate of POST Command College Class #26, Simi Valley Leadership Class of 1999, and the 2004 POST Executive Development Course. In his spare time, he serves as a member of the Simi Sunrise Rotary and is a board member of the Simi Valley Education Foundation and the Simi Valley Police Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking my friend Mark Layhew for his decades of service to the City of Simi Valley and his country, and in wishing him, his wife, Holly, and their children Godspeed.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition, and with thanks, for the 31 years of exemplary service Police Sergeant Ron Lompart has given to the City of Simi Valley, California. Ron's last day as a Simi Valley police officer is tomorrow. He began his career as a Simi Valley police officer fresh out of the academy just 4 years after the city incorporated. They matured together. They matured well. Mr. Speaker, Simi Valley is my home. I served as mayor there for 7 years before being elected to Congress. I am proud of the fact that Simi Valley is routinely recognized as one of the safest cities in the United States. That recognition is in large part due to the caliber of the men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department. That being true, Ron Lompart is largely responsible for the high caliber of the men and women who serve the Simi Valley Police Department. Ron is responsible for overseeing the training of new officers as one of the department's two Field Training Program Sergeants. He also is a patrol supervisor, overseeing the daily actions of both rookies and veterans alike. Ron's career parallels his dual dedication to both the City of Simi Valley and the men and women with whom he serves. After 6 years as a patrol officer, Ron was promoted to sergeant in 1981. He served with distinction on the department's SWAT team for 10 years and worked as a Rangemaster and Participative Management Team member. In addition, Ron represented the department's rank-and-file as a board member of both the Simi Valley Police Officers' Association and the Peace Officers Research Association of California. After 31 years in a police uniform--after 3 years in a U.S. Army uniform--Ron looks forward to spending time as a civilian with his wife, Cindy, and their three children, doing a bit of hunting and perhaps some cruising. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in thanking my friend Ron Lompart for his decades of service to the City of Simi Valley and his country, and in wishing him Godspeed in his retirement.

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on following bills on July 17, 2006: H.R. 3729, Federal Judiciary Emergency Tolling Act (roll No. 377): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' H.R. 3496, To amend the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969 to authorize additional Federal contributions for maintaining and improving the transit system of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and for other purposes (roll No. 376): Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' H.R. 3085, To amend the National Trails System Act to update the feasibility and suitability study originally prepared for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provide for the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds associated with that trail, and for other purposes (roll No. 375): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on following amendments to H.R. 5441 on June 6, 2006: King of Iowa Amendment (Roll No. 223): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Kingston of Georgia Amendment (Roll Call No. 224): Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Mr. Speaker, I was also unable to vote to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair (Roll Call No. 225). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' And finally, Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on passage of H.R. 5441 (Roll Call No. 226). Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GALLEGLY

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 22, 2006, I was unable to be present, to vote on the motions to suspend the rules and pass as amended S. 1235 the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (rollcall No. 177) and H.R. 3858, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (rollcall No. 178). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both measures.